Smooth hubcaps - Redneck style...
 

.

As we all know, smooth hubcaps are just not available. Except, the spun Salt Flat disc caps for $100 a set. They're nice. However, not what I wanted.

So...

This is how I made a set of smooth covers for the Geo for just pennies.



Originally, I covered my existing hubcaps with duct tape.

Functional, yes...

However, butt ugly. :o

Also, heat and centrifugal force would work their magic slowly over time till it flew off.

http://i536.photobucket.com/albums/f...ps0d302ac2.jpg



It's time to do something different. :)



Tools and materials


Scissors

Electrical tape

Large black trash bag (heavy duty)




Step 1.

Remove hub caps from car. (duh) :p



Cut trash bag into squares a few inches larger than the cap.

(1 lg. bag will make six 13"-14" hubcap covers)


Place cut square and hub cap on a flat surface.

http://i536.photobucket.com/albums/f...ps4c22b543.jpg



Start tucking the plastic under the wire on the cap.

http://i536.photobucket.com/albums/f...ps415336ca.jpg



Next, take the electrical tape and start to wrap around the cap in between the wire and the edge of the cap. Try to keep the plastic on the face tight as you slowly work your way around.

http://i536.photobucket.com/albums/f...ps3d8a9bb2.jpg




It will take several wraps to make it tight and wrinkle free. A extra set of hands would be helpful in getting the wrinkles out. Then, remove the excess plastic from the backside with scissors

http://i536.photobucket.com/albums/f...ps6b00ed52.jpg

(I did mine by myself, can you tell :o)



Alright, here it is on the car.

Better.

However, plain...

http://i536.photobucket.com/albums/f...ps02c5a67d.jpg



So, I go with my inspiration. The VW XL1. :cool:

http://i536.photobucket.com/albums/f...psd4dce40e.jpg



Some more tape and spray paint.

Tada...


Geo XL1

http://i536.photobucket.com/albums/f...ps4b4485ac.jpg



If you squint real hard, they look a little like the VW. :o




So far I have put about 2,000 miles on them with minimal problems.

(one or two need a little tightening)


I know they're cheesy...

But, they work and for the cost, they're hard to beat. ;)


:)



>

I like it :thumbup:

But all I have are rims :(

Same here! So, next time that I need tires, ask if I can quickly tape garbage bags to them before they mount the tires! Too easy! :D

I have a whole box of those heavy duty contractors bags from Home Depot

Technically, I could wrap my entire car! Then when it breaks down, I can just set it out by the curb on Monday

It's a blue XL-1

Another member here "The donkey CRX" made a decent looking wheel cover using vinyl sign lettering material.
(post #130)

http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...-28815-13.html



>

Here's the "permalink":

http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...tml#post427797

I have an idea on making smooth wheel covers - I'll try to sketch it and post it soon.

does the wind cause the "garbage bag" flap even slightly in the wind?

i'm worried that centrifugal and wind forces will eventually cause the garbage bag to tear apart where the garbage bag wraps around the edge of the hubcap.

.

No flapping in the wind.

No centrifugal problems as there is hardly any weight.

I have 2,000 miles on them. No failures...
(they have been 70+ mph)

Even if one were to tear apart, you would only be out of a few pennies.

Just keep a folded up replacement cover and some tape in the car.

10 minutes later your back on the road... ;)


>

I have used construction plastic sheeting, which I think is the same material as for these garbage bags. It works well for making smooth wheel covers.

However, the plastic will disintegrate over time, due to being exposed to sunlight. Just something to keep in mind.